In April 2024 I began to experience blurry vision, which was followed by a two week sensation of dry mouth. A blood test indicated an extreme elevation of blood sugar (525 when 90 is normal). Then I started to lose weight unexpectedly and began to have abdominal pain. This led to a CT scan- it showed my pancreas had atrophied. With the fortuitous connection of my primary care physician to an oncologist working at Mass General in Boston, an MRI was ordered.  On July 5th, 2024 a tumor in my pancreas was found. 

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 Treatment began immediately; eight cycles of FOLFIRINOX chemo, followed by almost 28 consecutive days of radiation treatment.  On January 28th 2025 I went through a Whipple procedure. It has been more than a year since I had the Whipple procedure.  I am on  insulin and I need to take enzymes in order to digest food. 

 

I have navigated both the physical and psychological challenges of this disease. I have learned new truths about my ability to face adversity. I am a survivor.